German Herrera

Hello, I hope this is the right forum for this post.

Last winter I cut this plant practically to the ground because it was invaded by this same critter (fungus?). Before doing that I used a product containing Potassium salts of Fatty Acids (Safer Brand for Organic Gardening) to try to kill whatever was ailing it, and did not succeed. By the way I freaked out at the warning label, really? For Organic gardening? Lots of warnings of all kinds...  Now, almost six months later, with lots of healthy new growth on it, I realize there are leaves at the very bottom that have this powdery/sticky substance (picture attached).
I have not been able to see any bugs or critters crawling on the plant, someone had mentioned thrips but I was never able to identify them. I live in Northern California. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Thank you Phil Stevens.
I will go ahead and spray them with soapy water, the condition is pretty wide spread throughout the plant and has pained me to see it this way for a long time.
I appreciate your suggestion!

I am sure this is in the wrong category, but i'm at a loss as to where to post this. This plant has had this problem with its leaves for a long time. They turn silvery and sometimes shiny and then fall, see the image included, any help will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Thank you Lila, I think I'll do the same.

What may be the best way to check the ph of the composting bin? Ph strips? I always feel that reading them is so subjective. Please advise. Thanks.

Hello all,

In an earlier post I shared that my composting bin had many white worms, now identified as grindal worms, I include photos this time, which may be a sign of an overly acid environment. I will be implementing your suggestions, from adding eggshells to adding a bigger amount of bedding when feeding them.

I am wondering what would be the easiest way to measure the PH of my vermicomposting bin?

Many thanks.

Thank you See, MK and Lila, your suggestions and comments are very helpful I do believe they are grindal worms, and I have yet to figure out how to add the images I captured to the original post. I will add more bedding/decomposted leaves dirt and egg shells, will continue to watch implementing your suggestions and report back. It really feels like a great community I have found here, such quick and helpful responses (Lila, thanks for the detailed information, we live under a giant oak)!

Hi all,

I have noticed a growing population of very small, tiny, white worms in my compost bin. I have a can-o-worms bin, and have been using the tumbleweed.com powder conditioner recommended to compensate for acidity, which I understand can be the cause, but it does not seem to be making a difference.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks.